Unit 3 AP World History Review

These flashcards cover key terms, definitions, and events related to Unit 3 of AP World History, focusing on the period of 1450 to 1750 and the dynamics of land-based empires.

Land-based empire

An empire whose power comes from the extent of its territorial holdings.

Ottoman Empire

A major land-based empire known for its expansion into Southeastern Europe and the Middle East, particularly after conquering Constantinople in 1453.

Gunpowder weapons

Innovative military technology that played a crucial role in the expansion of empires during the period 1450 to 1750.

Janissaries

Elite fighting force in the Ottoman Empire, made up of enslaved Christians converted to Islam.

Safavid Empire

A land-based empire established in the Middle East, known for its rapid expansion under Shah Ismail and later Shah Abbas.

Shia Islam

A branch of Islam that believes only blood relatives of Muhammad are his legitimate successors.

Sunni Islam

A branch of Islam that believes the rightful successor of Muhammad can be anyone spiritually fit.

Mughal Empire

An empire established in South and Central Asia in the 16th century, known for its military expansion and Akbar's religious tolerance.

Zamindar system

An administrative system in the Mughal Empire allowing elite landowners to collect taxes from peasants.

Tax farming

A system used by the Ottomans where the right to collect taxes was auctioned to the highest bidder.

Tribute lists

A system used by the Aztecs to generate revenue through resources provided by conquered territories.

Divine right of kings

The belief that monarchs are God's representatives on Earth and thus have absolute authority.

Council of Trent

A series of meetings by the Catholic Church to address corruption and reaffirm doctrine during the Protestant Reformation.

95 Theses

A list of Martin Luther's complaints against the Catholic Church that sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to a massive split in Christianity and the rise of Protestantism.

Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty of China, established by the Manchu, and known for its expansion and military innovations.

Causation in Safavid-Mughal conflict

Wars fought over territory in modern-day Afghanistan exacerbated by religious differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Bureaucracy

A system of government officials that ensures laws are enforced throughout an empire.

Monumental architecture

Grand buildings constructed to signify power and legitimacy of rulers.

Catholic Church corruption

Problems within the Catholic Church during the period, including simony and sale of indulgences.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious beliefs, as seen in the development of Sikhism from Hinduism and Islam.

Shah Ismail’s declaration

The establishment of the Safavid Empire as a Shia Islamic state, intensifying the Sunni-Shia split.

Akbar's Policy of Religious Tolerance

The Mughal ruler's approach that allowed for a variety of belief systems within his empire.

Aztec tribute system

A mechanism by which conquered peoples provided goods to sustain the Aztec economy.

Military professionals

Trained soldiers, like the Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire, who were vital for military success.

Kangxi's PR campaign

Emperor of the Qing Dynasty’s use of imperial portraits to legitimize his rule over the Han Chinese population.

Enslaved military forces

Armies formed by converting and training enslaved individuals from conquered areas, common in both Ottoman and Safavid Empires.

Political rivalries in Islam

Conflicts between Sunni and Shia factions that were intensified during the 1450-1750 period.

Innovations in tax collection

New methods developed by rulers to extract revenue from subjects, crucial for maintaining empire stability.

Sikhism

A new religious movement that blended aspects of both Hindu and Islamic doctrine, promoting equality.

Administration and consolidation

Ways rulers maintained control and legitimacy of their power over expanded territories.

Early Modern empires

Empires that were land-based, expanding rapidly through military technology and administration during the period 1450-1750.